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Vows: Forever I Do
Caray guides his bride Cortia to the altar.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
All Woman, Lifestyle, Local Lifestyle, Style, Style Observer, Tuesday Style
July 30, 2016

Vows: Forever I Do

‘Important encounters are planned by souls long before the bodies see each other’ — Paulo Coelho…

I do believe, our important encounter of meeting at M7’s annual beach chic event, Marbana, April 5, 2015 at Frenchman’s Cove in Portland, was planned by our souls long before our bodies met —Cortia Bingham, CEO, We Inspire.Our Initial Encounter…

I do believe, our important encounter of meeting at M7’s annual beach chic event, Marbana, April 5, 2015 at Frenchman’s Cove in Portland, was planned by our souls long before our bodies met —

Cortia Bingham, CEO, We Inspire.

Our Initial Encounter…

Caray McKenzie was a former college mate, as we both went to Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in 2003; however, we never connected in any special way. He now reveals that he has always been an avid admirer, watching from the sidelines during our college years.

Fast-track to 2015 at Marbana, Caray made his move during the event, but was deterred by my focus on executing the event, as at the time, my role was Sponsorship & PR Consultant for M7 Events. The day after the event Caray caught my interest, as he opted to divert from his original journey home to Montego Bay and asked me out on our first date, which was to eat sushi at East Japanese followed by a movie at Palace Cineplex. I accepted.

He continued to come to Kingston to visit, for the next two months religiously, and would stay each week at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Not only was he making an effort, but we had a lot in common — for example, eating out at fancy restaurants, watching movies and adventure-seeking. We were a perfect match! The fact that he doted on me and always went above and beyond to make me happy was the additional icing on the cake.

The Proposal…

On May 29, 2015, Caray invited me to Montego Bay for a weekend at the Hyatt Ziva. It was a fabulous weekend which would culminate on Sunday, with him going down on bended knee to propose. His exact words were: “Cortia, I am ready to commit to you, and I want you to be my woman.” I melted several times inside my head, but I kept a very composed and calm countenance, as I needed to maintain my ‘hot girl’ image… lol. By September 21, 2015, we were officially engaged and ready to get hitched!

Here Comes The Bride…

On Sunday July 17, 2016, Cortia’s fairytale and dream of marrying her perfect man came true when she said ‘I do’ to Caray Dumaine McKenzie, director of information technology at Global Gateway Solutions in the presence of close family and friends. The ceremony, which took place at The Andrews Seventh-Day Adventist Church, was officiated by Pastor Leonard Steele.

The intimate affair continued over brunch at Strawberry Hill Hotel.

The newly-weds are planning further celebrations and their honeymoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best man Andre Milford and the bridegroom Caray McKenzie.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
Andrews Memorial Seventh-Day Adventist Church with d&eacute;cor by Tai Flora Luxe.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
The blushing bride, Cortia Bingham, savours the sweet aroma of her Tai Flora Luxe bouquet of blush and white lisanthus, and ivory and blush roses<strong></strong>
Cortia is overcome with emotion as she repeats her vows. (<strong>Jamie Barnett)</strong>
The newly-weds enjoy a moment with immediate family members and friends (from left) Keila McKenzie, Oswin McKenzie, Claudette Williams, Nikolette Williams and her daughter Lianna Elle Marie Milligen, Brandon Ferguson, Amiah Longmore, Donna Erica Brown and Colin Hylton.<strong></strong>
The groom&rsquo;s sister Keila Mckenzie (left), guest Brandon Ferguson (second left) best man Andre Milford and the groom&rsquo;s father Oswin McKenzie look on as the vows are exchanged.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
Giveaway mom Claudette Williams receives a warm embrace from her soon-to-be son-in-law Caray McKenzie as the bride looks on. Playing in the background is the couple&rsquo;s special song, Forever I do, by Lou Rawls.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
Caray and Cortia pay close attention as Pastor Leonard Steele guides them through the proceedings.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
Best man (left) Andre Milford shares a light moment with the newly-weds.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
Caray and Cortia are caught in a playful exchange.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
Bridegroom Caray and his bride Cortia look into each other&rsquo;s eyes as they exchange wedding vows under the guidance of Pastor Leonard Steele.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
Caray whispers words of assurance in his bride&rsquo;s ear, as Pastor Steele prepares the documents for signing.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
The groom signs the marriage documents under the watchful eyes of his bride. (<strong>Jamie Barnett)</strong>
Pastor Steele presents the signed marriage documents to Mr & Mrs Caray McKenzie.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
You may kiss the bride! The bride and groom share a passionate kiss under a Tai Flora Luxe canopy of cascading floral clusters of blush and white hydrangeas, blush and lavender roses with pink mokara orchids and butter yellow roses.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>
We did it! &mdash; Carey and Cortia are all smiles as ecstatic family members and guests congratulate them.<strong> (Jamie Barnett)</strong>

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